Headlines

The Week Ahead... (Dec. 13)

by
Staff Writer
/ Nashville Predators

What to Watch For...

Monday- NY Islanders at Nashville

The Nashville Predators ready to face an Eastern Conference opponent as the New York Islanders make a rare trip to Smashville on Monday. It’s also the first Military Monday of the season and the Nashville Predators will be honoring all military personnel past and present. All military personnel can show the military ID and receive best available seats for only $20. The military will also be recognized during the game through special announcements. Puck drops at 7pm.

Wednesday-San Jose at Nashville The San Jose Sharks come to town for the first meeting between these two teams this season. Last season, San Jose took the series against the Preds 3 games to 1. In the spirit of the Holiday Season, the Nashville Predators Foundation and United States Marine Corps are hosting the first of two toy drives to benefit Toys for Tots. Fans are encouraged to bring in new, unwrapped toys for Middle Tennessee children in need. At the doors, donors will receive an exclusive discount ticket voucher for a future game.

Friday-Preds at New Jersey The Predators travel north to face Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils. They will also encounter a familiar face when they take the ice against former team captain Jason Arnott. These two teams met twice last year, splitting the series 1-1. It is a 6pm CT puck drop so be sure to tune in early to Fox Sports Tennessee, 102.9 The Buzz, and the Preds Radio Network.

Saturday-LA at Nashville Nashville will take on another California rival when the LA Kings visit Bridgestone Arena on Saturday night. These two teams have met once this season, with LA taking the 4-1 win at home. Saturday also marks the second of two toy drives presented by the Nashville Predators Foundation and United States Marine Corps. Be sure to bring a new, unwrapped toy and you will receive an exclusive discount ticket voucher for a future game for your donation. Puck drop is at 7pm and limited tickets remain. All the action can be found on 102.9 The Buzz and the Preds Radio Network.

This Week...Nashville has a busy schedule this week, playing four games in six nights including a back-to-back set to close out the week (Friday and Saturday). This week the Preds alternate games against Eastern Conference foes and California teams, hosting the NY Islanders and San Jose Sharks before traveling to New Jersey and then returning home to host the LA Kings.

Injury Report...

David Legwand is unlikely to play in Nashville's two mid-week games, but is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Thursday to determine his availability for this weekend's games.

Pekka Rinne is sidelined with a knee injury suffered Dec. 1 at Columbus. He is not expected to see game action this week, but remains on the initial 2-4 week recovery timetable.

Matthew Lombardi is on Injured Reserve. He is not expected to play this week.

The Week That Was...Nashville posted a 2-0-1 record last week, including a two-game winning streak to close out the week.

The Predators picked up a point for the sixth straight time on home ice (4-0-2) with Saturday night’s 3-0 win against the Panthers as rookie goaltender Anders Lindback turned aside all 22 shots he faced to record his first career shutout. Combined with Pekka Rinne’s three shutouts, the Predators now have four shutouts on the season, which is tied for the second highest total in the league.

The Predators handed Detroit it’s first loss within the Central Division this season on Wednesday at the Joe. Nashville skated away with the 3-2 win and improved to 6-3-1 in intra-divisional play. Nashville scored goals in the last minute of the first period and the first minute of the second period, marking the first time in the NHL this season that has been done. Nashville got goals from Martin Erat (late Period 1), Colin Wilson (early Period 2), and J-P Dumont (third period game-winner).

The Predators had 14 different players record at least one point on the week, led by Sergei Kostitsyn (3a) and Colin Wilson (2g-1a) with three points a piece. In net, Anders Lindback turned aside 91-of-96 shots for a 1.66 goals against average and .948 save percentage.

This Week In Preds History...December 14, 2006: Sullivan notches hat trick in franchise-record 5:56 The Ottawa Senators would eventually win the Eastern Conference and play for the Stanley Cup, but on Dec. 14, 2006, the night clearly belonged to Steve Sullivan and the Nashville Predators. Nashville topped the Sens 6-0 behind Sullivan’s natural hat trick and a 22-save shutout by Chris Mason. Sullivan’s sixth career hat trick and third as a Predator came in a span of 5:56 in the second period, making it the fastest three goals scored by an individual Nashville player. J.P. Dumont provided the playmaking, setting up Sullivan on all three markers. The victory was the second of five in a row for the Predators where they outscored their opponent 16-6. It was the second of three winning streaks that saw Nashville win five or more games in row, as it went on to finish with franchise record 51 wins and 110 points. Watch Sullivan Talk About the Night

Prospect of the Week...Taylor Beck -- A third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Beck recorded 8 points in four games last week to move into a tie for 18th in the OHL scoring race with 39 points this season. Beck scored the overtime forcing goal late in regulation of Guelph's 3-4 OT loss on Tuesday. On Thursday he assisted on the game-winner in a 4-3 win (after scoring the goal to tie the game 3-3). And then on Sunday he assisted on Guelph's final goal in a 6-7 OT loss.